Jack Becker

Jack H Becker, 88, long term Birmingham resident and community leader, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2014 after a long illness. Jack was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be missed by all.

Jack attended Bessemer High School (Class of ’44), his college education delayed when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Sandoval during World War II, but ultimately completed his college education at his much revered University of Alabama. After graduation, Jack joined his family’s retail business, “Pizitz of Bessemer” and later he joined the management team of Parisian Department Stores. At Parisian Five Points West “Mr. Becker” was respected and loved by his management team, employee associates and many customers. Although Jack retired in 1991, he still often heard the familiar greeting “Mr. Becker” whenever he was out and about town.

Jack was very involved in the Bessemer and Birmingham communities. He was an active member of Temple Emanu-El, Veterans of Foreign War and the Jewish Community Center.

Jack will be most remembered for being a loving husband and father to Joan, his wife for over 61 years and to his children, Fran (Russell), Lauren, and Bruce (Deena). He will be dearly missed by his adoring grandchildren, Jackie, Hope, Alexa, and Jenna, and by his sister, Elaine Bercu. Jack was a caring and involved Uncle to his nieces and nephews and a true friend to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Becker Family Fund of Temple Emanu-El’s Grafman Endowment Fund (www.ourtemple.org) , UAB Division of Cardiovascular Disease, or to a charity of your choice.